Devices and methods for treatment of ventilator associated dysphagia

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure describes an endotracheal ventilator tube for the treatment of dysphagia comprising an elongate tube and at least one electrode positioned on or about the elongate tube, wherein the at least one electrode is configured to deliver electrical stimulation to the oropharyngeal region and is electrically connected to an electrical stimulation generating means.

FIELD

The present invention relates to devices and methods for the treatment of Ventilator Associated Dysphagia (from hereonin referred to as VAD).

BACKGROUND

Dysphagia can be defined as a difficulty or inability to swallow effectively or safely. Dysphagia is not a disease, it is a symptom associated with many different types of diseases or medical conditions.

Research suggests that 7%-10% of all adults older than 50 years have reported a significant swallowing problem. Of those over the age of 60, it has been reported that over 14% of the entire adult population has some degree of swallowing dysfunction (ASHA 2008). In total, 10 million Americans are evaluated each year in clinics and hospitals for swallowing difficulties. It has also been reported that >51% of institutionalised elderly patients present with oropharyngeal dysphagia.

Collectively these figures reflect the fact that neurogenic dysphagia can develop due to a very wide range of underlying conditions such as traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy and neurodegenerative diseases like MS, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. It is however stroke that is probably the most recognized single cause of dysphagia—greater than 50% of patients who have a stroke will present with dysphagia.

Complications that have been associated with dysphagia post-stroke include pneumonia, malnutrition, dehydration, poorer long-term outcome, increased length of hospital stay, increased rehabilitation time and the need for long-term care assistance, increased mortality, and increased health care costs. These complications impact the physical and social well being of patients, quality of life of both patients and caregivers, and the utilization of health care resources.

Collectively the underlying conditions described above have a common aspect—the dysphagia associated with them is due to disruption of the control centres in the brain that are responsible for modulating or coordinating swallowing activities. For this reason they can be described as neurogenic dysphagia. There are other types of dysphagia that are related to local physical trauma or physical abnormalities in the tissues or musculature involved in the swallowing process itself. In these cases the centres of the brain involved in the modulation or control of swallowing are likely to be undamaged. This type of dysphagia would not be described as neurogenic dysphagia.

There is a third class of dysphagia, referred to in this specification as VAD. VAD arises when swallowing mechanisms (both neurological and physiological) are initially intact but over time become compromised or cease to function correctly as a result of the patient being mechanically ventilated.

In many cases mechanical ventilation is carried out for reasons unrelated to the swallowing capability of the patient. It is normal for example following cardiac surgery for patients to be mechanically ventilated. Whilst the majority of patients are successfully extubated, i.e. the mechanical ventilation is removed, within 6 to 8 hours after the procedure, a large number of patients requiring mechanical ventilation still remain in intensive care for between 24 and 48 hours. Patients may also be mechanically ventilated due to respiratory failure secondary to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, sepsis or cardiovascular failure, for example.

There is a known association between mechanical ventilation and dysphagia, and prolonged mechanical ventilation in particular can be an independent predictor of dysphagia. There have been a number of studies investigating the association between prolonged mechanical ventilation and dysphagia, some reporting an incidence as high as 83% of those assessed.

The reasons why previously unaffected patients develop dysphagia as a side effect of mechanical ventilation are unclear. There appear to be many different factors that contribute to the risk and severity of swallowing dysfunction including tissue injury, direct physical effects, co-morbidities, atrophy and desynchronisation as discussed in more detail below.

Mechanical ventilation is performed using tracheal tubes of which there are two types: endotracheal tubes that are introduced orally (orotracheal) or nasally (nasotracheal), or, tracheostomy tubes that are introduced via a tracheostomy, i.e. an incision directly into a patient's trachea. Both classes of tube are designed to be connected as required to a mechanical ventilator that can maintain supply of the necessary gases to the patient's lungs. Endotracheal tubes are designed primarily to provide a means to mechanically ventilate or provide a safe airway for patients who have either compromised respiratory function or dysphagia. They may also be used in anaesthesiology.

Most endotracheal tubes are provided as sterile disposable units. They are generally made from PVC with an internal diameter ranging from 2-10.5 mm. In it's simplest form at the proximal end there is a standard connector compatible with machine ventilators and at the distal end are ports or openings to allow passage of gases into the lungs. There is also usually an inflatable balloon or cuff designed to provide a seal at the entrance to the airways at a location below the vocal cords. There are endotracheal tube variants that include a variety of additional features—suction ports and channels to allow removal of secretions pooled above the cuff, multiple channel tubes to allow selective inflation or deflation of lungs, reinforced or preformed tubes to facilitate positioning or tolerability and tubes made of alternative materials such as silicone.

Tracheostomy tubes are introduced via a tracheostomy. They generally comprise an outer cannula designed to maintain the opening into the trachea and an inner cannula. The outer cannula has a faceplate and this is where the ties or sutures are connected to secure the tube in place. The inner cannula can be cleaned or disposed of as required. The tube is usually of the order of 75 mm in length. As with the endotracheal tubes there is generally an inflatable cuff to prevent ingress of secretions. Another common feature of tracheostomy tubes, an obturator, is a curved device designed to facilitate placement/introduction and is removed once the outer cannula is correctly in position. The obturator is then replaced by the inner cannula.

Initial passage of an endotracheal tube used in mechanical ventilation can often give rise to a type of tissue injury known as glottic injury. Over time a tracheotomy can give rise to fibrosis that may also impact local tissue function. Ulceration of the vocal cords and laryngeal oedema are also common with translaryngeal mechanical ventilation. Endotracheal tubes can also directly interfere with swallowing by decreasing the elevation and anterior displacement of the larynx or by compressing the oesophagus

Chronic idiopathic neuropathy, Parkinson's Disease, Poliomyelitis and many other conditions can contribute to disruption of the neurological component of swallowing function

Vocal cords show reduced sensitivity and movement in response to thermal stimulation (ice water) after prolonged mechanical ventilation. Sensory deficit in the pharyngeal mucosa may contribute to dysphagia as, after anaesthesia a significant decrease in swallowing speed and capacity can be demonstrated. Reversible swallowing defects seen after prolonged mechanical ventilation have also been claimed to be primarily due to disuse muscle atrophy.

It has been postulated that synchronization of swallowing and breathing may be difficult or compromised for patients receiving volume cycled mechanical ventilation where there is little patient control of the timing and duration of breaths.

Research suggests that VAD may be caused by a combination of factors—local trauma or injury, muscle atrophy and/or changes in neurological sensitivity or responsiveness or co-morbidities. Whilst the root causes of VAD may not be fully understood, it is clear that they are not the same as the root cause of neurogenic dysphagia. In the latter case regardless of the underlying condition the main issue is direct injury to the centers of the brain responsible for swallowing instigation, modulation or control. There is no evidence that the presence of a ventilation tube alone could give rise to this kind of injury in the brain.

Pharyngeal Electrical Stimulation (PES), also referred to herein simply as electrical stimulation, is a treatment recognised as being effective at treating neurogenic dysphagia and is designed to restore functionality in the higher brain centres responsible for swallowing control and coordination. PES involves the delivery of patient specific levels of electrical stimulation to the pharyngeal mucosa. This stimulation acts on sensory nerve clusters in the region (mainly the pharyngeal branches and/or laryngeal and lingual branches of the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves). The resulting sensory signals pass upwards via afferent pathways through the brainstem and act on the swallow control centres in the motor cortex. The net result of the stimulation is that it facilitates a functional reorganization in the brain such that the majority of activity involved in swallowing coordination and control is moved from the damaged area of the brain to a site on the other side of the brain.

PES requires the positioning of a pair of electrodes in the pharyngeal region and establishing good electrical contact with the pharyngeal mucosa.

Other methods to treat neurogenic dysphagia such as Trancranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) apply their stimulation to the motor cortex. They are limited in that they require an understanding of which part of the brain has been affected and in the case of TMS can only apply stimulation to one side of the brain at a time. They also require substantial expertise to correctly position and deliver the stimulus in a controlled and safe way and improper use is associated with seizures and scalp burns and potential cross infection risk between patients.

For these alternate methods, in the event that the neurological deficit is not exclusively located in the motor cortex they may be less likely to produce a beneficial effect. By comparison PES has the advantage that by delivering sensory input to the pharynx, base of the tongue and upper laryngeal regions in a manner that is not lateralized, it can provide the kind of local stimulation associated with a conventional swallowing action but at a higher intensity.

The presence of an endotracheal tube creates some technical challenges in delivery of PES—the endotracheal tube may prevent the PES electrodes coming in contact with the target tissues and prevent treatment initiation, or, the electrodes may deliver electrical stimulation to the surface of endotracheal tube thus directing the current away from the target tissue

Methods such as TMS and tDCS have the limitations described above but also have a common advantage in that the location of the applied stimulus is remote from the location of the endotracheal or tracheotomy tubes. This means they effectively avoid one of the challenges in delivering PES to patients i.e., unwanted interaction between the catheter for PES treatment delivery and the tubes for providing ventilation.

The association between applied stimulation, induced cortical excitability, functional reorganization and improved clinical outcome has been repeatedly demonstrated in clinical studies in patients with neurogenic dysphagia post stroke. In addition it has been shown that unassisted recovery of swallowing in these patients (i.e., without stimulation treatment) follows the same pattern of functional reorganisation whereby control effectively moves from the area where the damage occurred to non-damaged or healthy brain regions including those on the other side of the brain.

Until now PES has been used exclusively to treat neurogenic dysphagia and has not been recognised as suitable for treatment of other forms of dysphagia with different underlying causes, including VAD.

Whilst the presence of an orotracheal tube may contribute to oropharyngeal dysphagia post extubation, it also serves as a safe airway in the presence of dysphagia. As a result there is a challenge associated with removing the tube as it may at the same time as contributing to the development of the dysphagia be the most effective way of managing the risks associated with the problem.

The present invention seeks to provide solutions to the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Described herein are methods and devices to enable effective treatment of VAD including methods and devices that allow a ventilation tube to be left in place to protect a patient's airway, but also enable the delivery of treatment by way of electrical stimulation. Electrical stimulation of the pharyngeal mucosa provides a sensory input to induce swallowing activity, overcome the effects of tissue trauma and/or atrophy and/or re-establish dormant neurological pathways (in the case of neurogenic dysphagia) and the presence of a ventilation tube provides a means to safely mechanically ventilate the patient, should this be needed. Alternatively, the patient may be fully or partially weaned from the ventilator, and/or the ventilation tube may be removed, prior to electrical stimulation being delivered.

The present invention also provides devices and methods for the delivery of electrical stimulation to patients who are mechanically ventilated. These patients may be suffering from VAD or from other forms of dysphagia, as discussed herein, such as neurogenic dysphagia (for example, where stroke is the primary cause). Treating these patients whilst they are still mechanically ventilated should lead to quicker recovery times and reduce the need for ongoing mechanical ventilation as a means to prevent dysphagia associated respiratory problems.

The presence of an endotracheal tube creates technical challenges to the delivery of electrical stimulation using the methods and devices of the prior art. The endotracheal tube may prevent the electrodes coming in contact with the target tissues and prevent treatment initiation, the electrodes may deliver electrical stimulation to the endotracheal tube directing the current away from the target tissues and into or along the surface of the endotracheal tube.

As used herein the term “Ventilator Associated Dysphagia” or “VAD” refers to dysphagia whose primary cause is mechanical ventilation and/or the presence of the associated mechanical ventilation devices, e.g. an endotracheal or tracheostomy tube.

Given that electrical stimulation of a patient's pharynx has only previously been used for the treatment of neurogenic dysphagia, as frequently caused by stroke, to restore function in the higher centers of the brain that control swallowing, and that there is no evidence that mechanical ventilation gives rise to injury in these areas, it was previously unknown and completely unexpected that electrical stimulation could have any useful effect on the VAD group of patients.

A first aspect of the invention provides an endotracheal ventilator tube for the treatment of dysphagia comprising an elongate tube and at least one electrode positioned on or about the elongate tube, wherein the at least one electrode is configured to deliver electrical stimulation to the oropharyngeal region and is electrically connected to an electrical stimulation generating means.

In one embodiment, the ventilator tube comprises a sleeve selectively positionable around the elongate tube, wherein the at least one electrode is positioned on the sleeve. The sleeve may be split along its length.

In another embodiment the elongate tube defines a pre-curved shape for urging the at least one electrode against target tissue.

A second aspect of the invention provides an endotracheal ventilator tube comprising an elongate tube, wherein the elongate tube comprises at least one channel for receiving a catheter for delivering PES.

A third aspect of the invention provides a method of treating ventilator associated dysphagia, the method comprising: inserting a ventilation tube as claimed in any one of the preceding claims into a patient either orally or nasally; positioning the ventilation tube such that the at least one electrode is located proximate a pre-defined target tissue; and stimulating the pre-defined target tissue by electrical stimulation.

DRAWINGS

The following drawings illustrate embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of a device for administering electrical stimulation to a patient's pharyngeal tissue;

FIG. 2 illustrates a second embodiment of a device for administering electrical stimulation to a patient's pharyngeal tissue;

FIG. 3 illustrates a third embodiment of a device for administering electrical stimulation to a patient's pharyngeal tissue.

DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a device (10) for administering electrical stimulation to a patient's pharynx. The device (10) comprises a ventilator tube (12) with at least one electrode (14, 16) located on its outer surface in such a position that when the ventilator tube (12) is properly inserted into a patient, the at least one electrode (14, 16) is aligned and in contact with the target pharyngeal mucosa. The device (10) additionally comprises conducting wires (18) located within the walls of the ventilator tube (12) extending from the at least one electrode (14, 16) and terminating at a connector (20) suitable for attachment to a control unit (22).

The control unit (20) comprises electrical current generating means for delivering an electrical current to the at least one electrode (14, 16) and a control interface means (24) for selectively varying the delivered electrical current.

A further feature of this first embodiment is a pre-curved fixed shape that advantageously brings the electrodes into better contact with target pharyngeal mucosa. A further feature of the first embodiment of the device (10) provides a means to selectively change the shape of the ventilator tube, or a portion of the ventilator tube, such that the at least one electrode is brought into better contact with the patient's pharyngeal mucosa. Examples of such means of selectively changing the shape of the ventilator tube include a guide wire inserted longitudinally through the tube or walls of the tube, structures within or inserted into the tube with spring like properties including those with regions of different spring tension along the length of the ventilator tube and also inflatable features (12).

FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of a device for administering electrical stimulation. The device (100) comprises a sleeve (102) split (118) along its length with at least one electrode (104, 106) located on its outer surface, conducting wires (108) along its length and a connector (110) suitable for attachment to a control unit (112). The control unit (112) comprises electrical current generating means for delivering an electrical current to the at least one electrode (104, 106) and a control interface means (114) for selectively varying the delivered electrical current.

The sleeve (102) is configured such that it can be reversibly positioned around a standard endotracheal ventilator tube (116) and secured in place. The sleeve (102) may also be capable of being moved along the length of the endotracheal ventilator tube (116) and being reversibly fixed into position longitudinally as required in order to position the electrodes (104, 106) optimally. The sleeve (102) may also be capable of being added to or removed from the endotracheal ventilator tube (116) after the endotracheal ventilator tube has been inserted into a patient. The electrodes (104, 106) may be formed from a flexible printed conductive material.

FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of a device for administering electrical stimulation. The device (200) is a pre-curved endotracheal ventilator tube (202) oriented such that the exterior surface of the curve of the endotracheal ventilator tube (202) is substantially in contact with the posterior wall of a patient's pharynx. The device (200) further comprises a channel (204) disposed within the curved surface designed to receive a treatment catheter (206) comprising at least one electrode (208, 210) and urges the at least one electrode (208, 210) into contact with the preferred contact area on the posterior wall of the patient's pharynx. If the treatment catheter (206) is also designed to provide nutritional support it may act to facilitate passage of the tip of the catheter into the oesophagus and onwards to the stomach whether introduced nasally or orally. 

1. An endotracheal ventilator tube for the treatment of dysphagia comprising: an elongate tube; and at least one electrode positioned on or about the elongate tube, wherein the at least one electrode is configured to deliver electrical stimulation to the oropharyngeal region and is electrically connected to an electrical stimulation generating means.
 2. The endotracheal ventilator tube according to claim 1, wherein the elongate tube is changeable between a first configuration, in which it has a first shape, and a second configuration, in which it has a second shape, different to the first.
 3. The endotracheal ventilator tube according to claim 1, further comprising a sleeve selectively positionable around the elongate tube, wherein the at least one electrode is positioned on the sleeve.
 4. The endotracheal ventilator tube according to claim 3, wherein the sleeve is split longitudinally along its length.
 5. The endotracheal tube according to claim 4, wherein the at least one electrode is formed from a flexible printed conductive material.
 6. The endotracheal ventilator tube according to claim 2, wherein the elongate tube is resiliently biased in a pre-curved configuration.
 7. An endotracheal ventilator tube comprising an elongate tube, wherein the elongate tube comprises at least one channel for receiving a catheter.
 8. (canceled)
 9. A method of treating ventilator associated or neurogenic dysphagia, the method comprising: inserting a ventilation tube as claimed in claim 1 into a patient, either orally or nasally; positioning the ventilation tube such that the at least one electrode is located proximate a pre-defined target tissue; and stimulating the pre-defined target tissue by electrical stimulation.
 10. The method of treating ventilator associated dysphagia according to claim 9 wherein the step of inserting the catheter into a patient orally or nasally further comprises inserting the catheter into the longitudinal channel of the ventilator tube according to claim
 7. 11. The method of treating ventilator associated dysphagia according to claim 9, further comprising expanding the shape of the ventilator tube to urge a portion of the ventilator tube against the target tissue. 12-14. (canceled)
 15. The endotracheal ventilator tube according to claim 2, further comprising a sleeve selectively positionable around the elongate tube, wherein the at least one electrode is positioned on the sleeve.
 16. The method of treating ventilator associated dysphagia according to claim 10, further comprising expanding the shape of the ventilator tube to urge a portion of the ventilator tube against the target tissue. 